San Miniato is a medieval town and is located in the province of Pisa, between Pisa itself and Florence. Today it is best known for its leather industry. It used to be among the more important settlements during the Empire. During the Middle Ages, the town became increasingly influential until it fell into the hands of the Florentines in the 14th century.
Top 10 tourist attractions San Miniato
01. Palazzo del Popolo
The Piazza del Popolo is the central square of San Miniato. It is here that people meet and it is also here that its most important events take place.
02. Church of San Domenico
The San Domenico Church dates back to 1330 and is located in the Piazza del Popolo. Inside this church there are a number of frescoes from the Florentine school. Its façade was never completed.
03. San Miniato Cathedral
The Duomo originally dates from the 13th century, but its current appearance is the result of a number of renovations that have greatly changed its architecture over the centuries. It is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and San Genesio. The huge bell tower of this cathedral is known as the “Tower of Mathilde”.
04. Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art
Next to the Duomo, you can visit the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art. On display here are works by well-known artists such as Filippo Lippi, Andrea del Verrocchio and Neri di Bicci.
05. Palazzo del Municipio
The Town Hall (Palazzo del Municipio) dates back to the 14th century.
06. Madonna di Loreto Oratorium
The Oratory of the Madonna of Loreto is incorporated in the town hall. It is called the Loretino by locals.
07. Borgo San Genesio
The oldest, and now almost uninhabited, part of San Miniato is the Borgo San Genesio. Excavations near the San Genesio Chapel found remains of 7th- and 8th-century ceramics here in 2001.
08. Church of the Santi Stefano e Michele
The Chiesa dei Santi Stefan e Michele still belonged to a hospital in the 14th century. Some of the artworks that hung here are now on display in the aforementioned museum
09. Palazzo Grifoni
The Palazzo Grifoni is located in the square of the same name. Designed in the 16th century by Giuliano di Baccio d’Agnolo, this building now houses a bank.
10. San Martino Auditorium
The Auditorium of San Martino is a theatre. It is housed in a former church from the 11th century, the Chiesa di San Martino a Faognana.